Since joining our team in September as pool manager, Kelly Ryan has become intimately acquainted with our indoor and outdoor pools and their systems while mastering the art of juggling pool schedules (…and disruptions caused by unexpected temporary closings). In December Kelly and his wife Makayla welcomed Blakely Grace, their first child.
We recently caught up with Kelly and asked him a few questions…
LJCC: How did you end up in the world of pool management?
KR: I’ve always enjoyed being around water, especially during summer. I’ve maintained my certification as a lifeguard since I was 16, and have worked in various places as a swim lesson instructor. So it was a no-brainer for me when I saw that The J was looking to hire someone to run its pools.
What attracted you to The J?
I took a lifeguard recertification class at The J in 2021 and was impressed with the facilities. And even back then I can remember how friendly and welcoming everyone was. I had also spent a good amount of time on The J’s soccer fields playing in their adult men’s soccer league, so I knew it was a good place.
What’s a typical day for you?
A typical day includes everything from testing our water chemistry and making any adjustments to maintaining our system and ensuring everything is operating properly to training lifeguards and assisting in the many programs that take place in and around the pool.
What preparations need to happen before you open the immensely popular outdoor pool this spring?
In addition to the normal deep cleaning that takes place before opening, we’re excited about some new landscaping additions we’re going to make to our outdoor pool deck that will allow members and guests to more effectively utilize some space.
Our hope is to open the outdoor pool mid to late May.
What can people expect from our lifeguard crew this summer?
My aim for our lifeguard crew this summer is that they will provide a sense of safety and peace of mind to our members and guests. I’m excited about the crew we’re putting together. We have some of the best returning guards with a lot of experience at The J who are going to be in pivotal positions to ensure that our staff is expertly trained and committed to serving and protecting our guests.
What do you do in the Army National Guard?
I have always loved being part of a team, so in 2020 I enlisted in the ARNG as an infantryman.
How’s the sleep situation at home?
Sleep is like a gift when it comes! But we are so blessed to have a happy and healthy baby. Makayla has been nothing short of a rockstar and it’s so awesome getting to watch her be “mom.”
What do you enjoy most about working at The J?
I love the sense of community. There’s never been a day where I didn’t feel welcome, and I hope to pass that along to everyone I interact with here. It’s also working with the kids in and around the pool. Watching them progress is one of my favorite things!